The silver tide returned at dawn, three years after Kaela's dream.
Thousands of Deep Ones marched across the eastern fields. Their eyes burned with cold light. Their hands crackled with the Deepening's power. At their head walked Vex—her eyes silver again, her will stolen once more.
Surrender the child, she said. The Deepening will be merciful.
Elara stood on the wall.
"We've heard that before."
This time, the Deepening means it.
"The Deepening doesn't know how to mean anything. It's empty."
Emptiness is honest.
"Emptiness is nothing."
---
Kaela stood beside her mother.
She was twenty now—tall, strong, her grey eyes steady. The void's mark pulsed beneath her skin.
"I can fight."
"I know."
"Then let me."
Elara looked at her daughter.
"Stay close to me."
"Always."
---
The
